Best cars for snow and ice driving

Every time winter approaches, you find yourself assessing whether you can drive the roads safely. For some, the winter means snowy commutes. For others, it’s the season for long road trips and off-road adventures. In any case, your current vehicle might be enough, even if you winterise it.

If you’re up against snow, sleet, and ice, your criteria for a good vehicle will be different for city drivers in milder climates. The good news is there are plenty of vehicles engineered for tough winter driving conditions. Plus, the choices are spread across different budgets.

In the article, we’ll be looking at cars with a powerful drivetrain (preferably all-wheel drive), good grip control, high ground clearance, advanced safety technology, and conveniences like heated glass. More details for each car below.

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Moving on to the best cars for snow, here is our selection for the top 12.

1. SEAT Tarraco

The SEAT Tarraco offers a sporty, four-wheel drive that will meet all demands of a growing family. The claimed fuel economy is 29.7-42.2 mpg (petrol) or 37.2-52.3 mpg (diesel).

There are three petrol engines - 1.5-litre with 150 hp, 2.0-litre with 190 hp, and 2.0-litre with 245 hp. The diesel engine lineup has two versions with 150 hp and one with 200 hp, all 2.0 litres. This is more than enough power to get through off-road terrain.

The body control of the car is impressive. The soft and cushioning suspension absorbs most road imperfections, but if you choose bigger wheels for better clearance, expect to feel potholes and sinkholes more.

Owners will enjoy three-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, cruise control, rear parking sensors, along with other features in the tech kit.

2. Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback is a high-riding estate with a decent fuel economy of 46.3-50.4mpg. As for the performance capabilities, most owners go for a 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer petrol with 173 hp or a 2.0 flat-four diesel with 148 hp. But the engine lineup goes all the way up to 250 hp.

Instead of a four-wheel drive, the Subaru Outback offers a standard all-wheel-drive system that adapts to driving conditions. It adjusts weight distribution and traction in real time, depending on whether you’re driving on-road or off-road.

While the ride comfort is not much, the stiffer raised suspension serves another purpose - improved handling. Overall, the car is easy to drive and manoeuvre.

The car design aims to minimise sight obstructions and blind spots. The safety features like Subaru EyeSight® come as much-appreciated additions.

3. Volvo XC90

The XC90 is luxurious yet practical. The fuel economy in petrols and diesels is 26.2-33.6 mpg and 34.0-44.1 mpg, respectively. But this doesn’t even compare with the 74.3-235.1 mpg that the plug-in hybrid can manage.

All XC90 powertrains are equipped with a four-wheel drive. Interestingly, the model wasn’t made for extreme winter driving, but it proved its worth when the road surface gets rough. The two biggest reasons are the electronically controlled drive and extra ground clearance.

The safety features and driver assistance systems are especially helpful in the winter - AI-driven supercomputer, semi-autonomous driving, and graphical heads-up display.

4. Fiat Panda Cross

The Fiat Panda Cross is extremely versatile - it’s just as capable on the high-speed motorway as it is on tough trails. It is a more rugged version of the regular Panda hatchback, with a four-wheel drive (all-wheel drive) and better equipment.

Perhaps the city-friendly 0.9-litre two-cylinder engine with 90 hp will not be the best fit for extreme. The 1.2-litre four-cylinder is more powerful, hence more capable. As for the electrified version, the 1.0-litre 3-cylinder mild-hybrid produces a maximum power of 70 hp. And depending on the variant, the fuel efficiency ranges from around 35 mpg to 48 mpg.

The Panda Cross’ heart is truly in the muddy outdoors. It uses a special Terrain Control system, which allows you to switch between auto, off-road, and hill descent control driving modes. It’s not often that you see a car of this size fitted with such tech.

5. Volkswagen Golf Alltrack

The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is oriented towards rough road and snow driving. Incidentally, the same design features, a decent engine lineup, and four-wheel drive make it a prime contestant for safe, controlled winter driving.

The base engine size and specs are modest: a 170-hp, 1.8-litre turbocharged inline-four engine. The eighth generation takes it a step higher, with the VIII Alltrack 2.0 TDI engine producing up to 200 hp. The hybrid is not geared for performance but still with a high 200-hp output level at the top of the range.

The average fuel economy is an unassuming 27 mpg. As expected, it all changes with the hybrid - 235.4-313.9 mpg.

The ride itself feels composed, smooth on most road imperfections, and, thanks to a raised ride height, very assured. When the off-road mode kicks in, the Golf guides the brakes to accommodate the tough terrain, activates hill descent control, and stays in lower gears.

6. Dacia Duster

Compared to most all-wheel drive models on this list, the Dacia Duster is a step in a different direction. It’s a front-wheel drive; while it accounts for the poorer performance, it actually provides better handling in snow and ice; it’s practically unstoppable in snow or mud. The FWD is not only suitable for winter driving but also accounts for the Duster’s lower price.

While we’re on the topic of cost efficiency, the fuel economy averages about 50 mpg (33.2-47.0 mpg for petrol and 48.7-60.1 mpg for diesel).

The Duster engine lineup includes three petrol (TCe with 90 hp, 130 hp, or 150 hp), two diesels (two versions of Blue dCi with 115 hp in both), and one bi-fuel with just 100 hp.

Where the car lacks in power, it makes up in towing ability (up to 1,500kg braked).

7. Land Rover Discovery Sport

Land Rover Discovery Sport is listed as a four-wheel drive on all specs and is known as a versatile compact SUV.

Petrol and diesel engines are featured in 2.0-litre capacities - you petrol with 247 hp and 286 hp and two diesels with 163 hp and 198 hp. The plug-in electric hybrid P300e packs the most power out of the entire lineup - 309 hp.

You’ll have no trouble getting around with all-weather tyres fitted on the Discovery, not to mention the winter tyres. All movements are controlled, and the towing ability goes up to an impressive 2200 kg braked.

The model comes with heated everything - front and rear seats, steering wheel, glass, and mirrors. The automatic climate control unit is also a benefit for winter driving.

8. SsangYong Korando

The SsangYong Korando, which is made with practicality and affordability in mind, challenges UK’s biggest sellers. It’s not the most exciting car out there, but it made the list thanks to the Winter driving mode that reduces wheelspin and helps you keep control on slippery roads.

The layout will suit anyone’s preference - rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive. The Korando is powered by either a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol (163 hp) or a less powerful 1.6-litre diesel (136 hp), both with an average fuel economy of 35.5-46.3 mpg. Bear in mind that SsangYong’s all-electric e-Motion doesn’t suit the cold weather.

The handling is not particularly refined, so beware of some body roll. However, the safety kit is on par with the competitors.

9. Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a versatile family car with four-wheel drive. It’s a whole package - advanced engineering, sturdy build, off-road prowess, and all-weather capabilities. It’s no wonder the Forester has such a die-hard fanbase.

Petrol engines can come in two varieties - 2.5i CVT with 185 hp and 2.0i CVT with 254 hp. The 2.0-litre direct injection turbo engine is responsible for a more modest 145 hp. The hybrid packs a 2.0-litre unit and an electric motor for a combined 148 hp.

The Forester was made for areas with gritted roads and harsh weather conditions. In addition to 4WD, there is a decent level of grip, controlled steering, and limited body lean on turns.

As for safety and comfort, the kit is standard (yet ample) - visibility in all directions, driver monitoring, auto-adjustments, climate control, etc.

10. Suzuki Ignis

The Ignis combines Suzuki’s small-car expertise and 4WD robustness (four-wheel-drive) into one package. While it’s a city car at heart, the Ignis has a distinctive character that leaves no questions about its winter driving abilities.

The car has incredible road traction from a standstill, even on packed snow. The fact that the Ignis weighs 940 kg and has a hill descent control system helps with the matter.

Performance-wise, the model isn’t a top scorer. The 1.2-litre four-cylinder Dualjet petrol engine generates 82 hp; the 1.3-litre diesel engine comes in the lower 75 hp; the smart hybrid engine reaches the same 82 hp. The real-world average fuel efficiency is 59.6 mpg.

Overall, the Ignis handles light off-roading surprisingly easily, considering its modest power output. And you get all that for a very attractive price.

11. Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai comes in front-wheel and four-wheel drive versions. Unfortunately, the latter versions are quite rare, so you might have to do some digging to find them. FWD Qashqais have smaller, more efficient engines, though.

The engine options are as follows: 1.5-litre turbo-diesel (108 hp), 1.2-litre turbo-petrol turbocharged (115 hp), 1.6-litre petrol (116 hp), 1.6-litre diesel (130 hp), and 2.0-litre petrol engine (141 hp). The e-Power hybrid system generates a more impressive 154 hp and a standard 53.3 mpg of fuel consumption.

The higher the wheel size, the better for winter driving. But it does mean that the Qashqai will lose some of the ride comfort. And the model has a healthy, much-needed reserve of grip.

You might also appreciate features like adaptive lights, a virtual composite 360° view, blind spot intervention, and an AI navigation system.

12. Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento is a part-time all-wheel drive. It means the driver needs to transition between two-wheel and four-wheel drive to improve traction and reduce spin.

The choice of powertrain and spec is impressive. Here are short descriptions for each fuel category: the 2.2-litre CRDi petrol unit generates 199 hp; the 2.2-litre diesel engine (thoroughly redeveloped) also accounts for 199 hp; and the standard hybrid Sorento is powered by a turbo petrol engine and an electric motor, reaching 226 hp (261 hp in the plug-in).

The petrol-powered Sorento returns up to 24-29 mpg in fuel economy, which pales beside the hybrid’s 176.6 mpg.

The car feels composed and capable in different driving conditions, with better-than-expected body control and self-levelling suspension. Although, larger wheels will make road imperfections sharper for rear passengers.

Final words: best cars for snow in 2024

This concludes our selection of the best cars for snow. From small hatchbacks to large SUVs, there is a perfect model with all-wheel drive for you out there.

And if you want to take the hassle out of buying your next car, make sure to do it with Carplus. We’ll help you score the best no-deposit deals and become the owner of the car of your dreams. Get an instant quote today!